Topic: Sparkplug stuffffff!!!!

[Wykydtron]

This is for my GF's 2002 Toyota Camry.  I joined a Camry forum to find the answer but noone seems to know the answer..to much of anything really.  Her car came with NGK Iridium plugs and its time for new ones.  Before I knew this, I picked up a set of Bosch platinums and when I when to put them in I noticed a sticker saying, use only Iridium plugs.  These platinums are def. listed for this car and motor (2.4 liter 4 cyl.) so what happens if I use them.  I mean they should be the right temp plug etc. right?  will they just foul out quicker or not spark good enough cuz they have more resistance than Iridiums?  Gurus??

[333]

If the Bosch book lists them, it shouldn't hurt to use them.  But to be safe, check them soon after installation, maybe 2-300 miles to see if they are the right heat range.  Look for a light tan color.

On the other hand, I've always been a NGK fan.  I know the Iridiums are not cheap, but I don't know how they compare to the Bosch Platinums.

[Terry in Australia]

Use 'em mate, they'll be fine, Toyota is contracted to NGK, so of course they're gonna recommend using NGK's most expensive plug, it means money in their pockets. Bosch plugs are excellent quality, and just as good as NGK. (which are very good, by the way)

Toyota use Iridium plugs in the rear cylinders of their V6 Camry's due to the fact that they have to tilt the engine forward to change 'em, so (to reduce service costs to keep their products viable) they only need to replace them every 20,000 miles or so. Cheers, Terry.

[333]

20,000 miles?  My Chevy goes 60,000, but the book says 100,000.  There would be the difference between theory and reality.

[eldar]

Yeah 20,000 must be only for toyotas in Oz. Most cars now list at 100,000 miles and many get very close to that under normal driving.

[clarkjh]

My 2002 Accord just had them changed at 130,000 Km.  Two where wore out, the other two could have gone another 20,000 .  The NGKs wheren't cheap, $17 Cnd a plug from the Stealer

James

[mark]

I have used Bosch plugs for many years. Screwed in hundreds of the little wonders. Go ahead and run them - they don't bite.

O2 sensors tend to work just fine until they quit completely. The mileage interval specified is just to cover Toyota's a** with EPA. and sell parts. I have not had a problem with aftermarket sensors. Most are stamped "BOSCH".

I would change the plugs since you have them and wait on the sensors until one actually fails and turns on the little yellow light. That could take years.

Happy trails.

[Terry in Australia]

Sorry folks, it was early in the morning when I posted that, I meant to hit the "5" key, but accidentally hit the one underneath. Cheers, Terry.

[ElCheapo]

I know from being in the automotive repair profession for many years. You should be ok using these other plugs. The may have a shorter life span than what you might consider normal. The fact is that the iridium plugs are better and they do last lots longer. The other reason for using them is the coil output was increased so it will not be uncommon to find your "other" plugs will have shorter lives.

The other reason is that they can not promise any kind of performance claims without the iridium plugs. Plus not using iridium plugs in it will cause it fail a 4 gas analyzer smog test if one is required in your area. This is a fact as I have seen this first hand. I have also seen it cause a minimal drop in gas milage. So you see it is not always a "Big Greedy Corporate Conspiracy", there are other facts to consider.

I do know there are some bikes on the market right now that require the use of them. Some of these plugs are $20 each  . On these bikes:

Iridium Plugs=entire season and then some
Regular or Platinum Plugs=3,000 miles and it runs like garbage